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Piritahi Marae
Piritahi Marae
Located within the rohe of Ngāti Paoa and Pare Hauraki, the marae was named "Piritahi" (Together as one) by Te Arikinui Dame Te Atairangi Kahu, symbolising the unifying marriage of Riria Takarangi (Ngāti Paoa) and Eruera Patuone (Ngā Puhi).
Established in 1971, Piritahi Marae stands on the edge of Te Huruhi Bay on Piritahi Marae, Waiheke Island:
Many dedicated whanau members and community members contributed to the building of Piritahi Marae, and we honor their memory, including Kato Kauwhata, Alan Murray, Graham Tawhai, Ngakata (Dot) Keetels, Joe Waite, Peter Hoey, Larry Lorrigan, Hanneke Keetels, Joy Alison, Helen Routhledge, Eric Murray, Henare Toka, Keith Washer, Mere Burson, and Deanne & Jack Payne. Fundraising for a marae to be built on Waiheke began in 1971. The first building was designed by Ron Stevenson and built by Jack Payne, with volunteer support, and opened on 17 February 1982, later becoming the whare kai named "Ngakata" in honor of Ngakata Keetels.
Timeline
Timeline
1971
First meeting of Piritahi Marae held, chaired by Paul De Rungs in Orapiu.
Early members: Minnie Ngapo, Mere Burson, Grace Tawhai, Graham Tawhai, Tulip Prendergast, Shirley De Rungs, Bill Lord, Ngakata (Dot) Keetels, Rosy Van Cassell, and Duke Hetet.
Jack Mackintosh, Chairman of the local Waiheke County Council, becomes the first Patron of the Marae.
Dr. Ranginui Walker of the Auckland Maori District Council provides advice on establishing the Marae under the Maori Community Development Act.
Fundraising for the Wharekai begins, led by Mere Burson and Graham Tawhai, with funds raised through raffles and demolishing old classrooms at Waiheke Area School.
1976
October 1st: Lease signed with Auckland County Council for Lot 1 of Te Huruhi Reserve, establishing the marae as a taurahere marae. Alan Murray serves as Chairman.
Lease states “membership for the Marae shall be open to persons of any race.”
1982
February 17th: Dedication and blessing of the Marae land by Bishop Whakahuihui Vercoe and Bishop Paul Reeve, with Larry Lorrigan and Kato Kauwhata.
1983
Wharekai constructed from 1982-1984 with a mix of paid and volunteer labour. Design by Ron Stevenson. Foundation blocks donated by the public, with the southwest block paid for by Kato.
Stan Wineera, Chairperson, passes away and becomes the first Tangihanga held on the modern marae.
1987
Kitchen addition to the west of Wharekai built by Joe Routledge.
1991
Lot 1 of the Marae classified as “Local Purpose – Marae” reserve.
1992
Construction of Wharenui begins, funded by the Marae Committee and a $63,000 grant from the Department of Internal Affairs. Built by Bernie Lee and local volunteers led by Danny Shortland and Eric Murray. Design by Sally Smith.
1993
May: The second building was opened in a pre-dawn ceremony and given the name "Kia Piritahi", Minnie Ngapo and Jordana Shicker cleared the way by stepping over the threshold. Kato returns sod from the 1982 dedication to the atea. Colin Amopiu and Kato Kauwhata serve as kaumatua.
1994
First meeting of the Carving Committee led by Henare Toka.
1995
Kohanga building constructed by Modulock, designed by Sally Smith. Opened in July 1995 by Te Arikinui Te Atairangikaahu. Led by Henare Toka, Sue Amopiu, and kohanga whanau including Huhana Davis.
1996
Whakaruruhau built with volunteer labour, designed by Jack Payne, with Lyonel Grant carving the western end.
Judy Davis starts a Community Health Clinic in the Whare Kai and Pantry.
1999
Whare Kai named after Ngakata "Dot" Keetels.
2000
April: New Hauora Building opened. Built by Grant Payne, designed by Sally Smith. Project led by Judy Davis and Pita Rikys.
2002
Ablutions block replaced with a new building.
2003
Carving shed built with volunteer labour.
2006
Water bore installed after fundraising, named in honour of Kato Kauwhata.
2007
Piritahi Marae Trust established as the governing body under the Charitable Trusts Act.
2011
Lease signed with Auckland Council to extend the leased area into Lot 2, Te Huruhi Reserve. All Marae land zoned Marae Purpose in the District Plan.
2016
Tuwheratanga for Kia Piritahi, now a fully adorned whare whakairo.
2020
Infrastructure grant from Auckland Council facilitates the installation of a new wastewater treatment plant and major building renovations.
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